Chapter VII: Almost Perfect

Just try it, Margaret, Satine urged her sister as they sat together in the milliner's in front of the mirror. Satine held a small, pale blue hat in her hands. It'll look lovely on you, she said, brushing a brown tendril of hair away from Margaret's face.

Oh, no! Margaret exclaimed, blushing prettily. I mean, it is lovely, she said quickly. But not on me. I'm so plain. . .nothing like you, Satine, she said shyly, admiring her sister-in-law's profile.

Satine said, smiling fondly at the younger woman. You just need to spend time on your hair and wear clothes that bring out your beauty-- which, you have plenty of, my dearest sister.

Papa wouldn't approve, Margaret said wistfully. Satine only laughed.

It's very proper, Margaret! Don't worry, I can talk him around.

He does seem to like you very much, Margaret agreed quietly.

More than I thought he would, at least, Satine smiled. But he seems to be in an amenable humor lately. Even Christian escapes his disapproval. Margaret smiled a little at that, and pressed her hand down on Satine's.

I have always wanted to have a sister, Satine. I'm very glad that I have one now.

As am I, Satine replied. I never thought I'd-- she stopped herself in time, a little flustered by what she had been about to reveal.

Margaret asked curiously.

Have a sister, Satine finished, pressing her fingers to her temples.

Are you all right? Margaret looked at her with alarm as Satine's breath rose and fell a little irregularly.

Yes. . .yes, I'm fine, she answered with more firmness as the brief pain subsided. How strange. . .it's nothing like before.

Are you sure? Margaret said anxiously. Satine blinked and washed away her concern.

Yes, dear, I'm fine. Now, what about this hat?

I don't think so, Margaret said shyly. I mean, it's lovely, but I don't need a new hat right now.

Oh, I see, Satine said, mentally adding to herself that perhaps it would be better to take Margaret shopping after Christian received his inheritance. Well, maybe just a walk through the park, then?

Will you stay in London for a long time, do you think? Margaret asked later, as they sat together, watching the brook flow. Satine glanced down at the sparkling water, her brow creased.

I don't know, she admitted. I do like England-- very much. It's just that I always pictured raising a family in my native country. . .when I dreamed about it, I mean, she added absently, thinking of the secret hope she had been cherishing for quite some time.

I do love children, Margaret said shyly. It may not be very proper of me to say so, but I'm very much looking forward to being an aunt. She looked anxiously at Satine, who only laughed.

I've heard a good many more improper things in my lifetime, my dear girl! Satine said with a wry smile. I do agree, though, she added in a softer tone. Margaret began to blush even before she spoke.

You and my brother seem to have a very . . .happy marriage. I hope that someday I'll meet someone like that. . .speaking of which, when did you meet Christian? Satine opened her mouth, thought better of it, and chose a new story.

At a--ball! she exclaimed, mentally casting around for the most truthful lie. Margaret's blue eyes opened wide.

A ball?

Yes, and we danced.

Oh, how romantic! Margaret sighed. So many men must have wanted to dance with you that night-- why did you choose him?

Well. . . Satine said slowly. I was supposed to be dancing the night with a very wealthy and eligible duke. . .

A duke!

Yes, but I mistook Christian for him when my--my father pointed out the wrong man as the duke.

My goodness! Margaret gasped, pressing a hand to her mouth in a rather comic fashion.

And we had a bit of a miscommunication, Satine added mischievously, remembering the poetry reading' in the elephant. But he recited one of his poems. . .and I fell in love with him right then and there.

What did your family think? Margaret asked softly. Satine saw her eyes were wide with concern.

Well, they disapproved at first, Satine said lightly. But after they saw us together, my father gave us his blessing. We lost our fortune soon after that, she added, remembering Christian's letter. And I was sick, but we were very happy together, Christian and I, no matter how bad things got. We still are so very, very happy. Margaret smiled sweetly, and was about to speak when they were interrupted by a manly voice.

What a story, sister of mine! I knew my brother was a hopeless romantic, but who would have ever dreamed he'd end up like that! Satine felt a flash of annoyance and turned, but her anger melted when she saw Peter's face. He looked so very much like Christian. . .and she did like her brother-in-law very much.

Hello, Peter, Margaret said coldly, rising from the bench.. Satine caught her tone and looked at Peter with a raised eyebrow. He shrugged.

Going somewhere, Meg? he asked cheerfully, sitting down by Satine.

As a matter of fact, yes, Margaret said curtly, drawing on her gloves. Good afternoon, Satine. Peter. With that, Margaret strode off, her head held high in an unfamiliar pose of disdain.

What on earth was that all about? Satine asked curiously. Peter shrugged again.

Meg's not very fond of me, to tell the truth. She thinks I'm a bit too open and friendly with everyone, and wishes I'd devote all of my spare time to her.

Satine looked out at the meadow before her, puzzling over Margaret's behavior. That's a great pity.

Yes, well, you know how these things are. Care to join me for a bit of a walk? Satine agreed, and gave him her arm. They were laughing together in the park when Peter suddenly turned to her.

Say, Satine, I'm in a spot of trouble. My Parisian friend is begging for more details about you and Christian, only I don't know the names to fill in that very romantic story I just heard. Don't suppose you could help me out? Satine felt the coldness of her fear snake up her spine and lazily wind around her neck.

My maiden name, is that really all you want? she forced a smile as she spoke. All you had to do is ask, silly.

Then. . .

But since you didn't, I'll leave you and your friend in suspense, Satine said lightly. That's a proper punishment.



Oh, don't be a goose, Peter. With that, she picked up her trailing skirt and looked away at the pond. Look! A family of ducks! How absolutely precious!

Peter murmured as she tripped off. How precious.

They got home barely in time to change for dinner, and Satine had only a few hurried moments to acquaint Christian with what had happened.

he said. Just watch yourself. Peter's just nosing around, Satine, trying to dig something up. You can lead him around by the nose, darling, just like that Duke. Satine gave a crooked smile, but she couldn't help feeling uneasy when she took her seat at the dinner table between Christian and Peter.

Christian, you really have to go, his father was insisting. If you leave tomorrow, you can be back in only a few days. Things will be finished much faster this way.

All right, Christian said reluctantly. Will you be all right, Satine?

Satine smiled brightly. Of course.

You're sure, darling? Christian asked later that night as he finished packing.

Yes. I think I was just taking things out of proportion with Peter. He really is a nice man, Christian. Looks a lot like you, she added, playing with his hair.

Just make sure you don't mistake me for him, Christian said dryly, turning and holding his arms around her waist. Satine laughed.

I don't think there's much danger of that! she said, wrapping her arms about him.

I hope not, Christian said. His tone changed, and he looked up at her. Are you happy here, Satine? Satine paused and bit her lower lip.

Yes, actually. Your father is really tolerable, and your mother and Margaret are very sweet indeed. William doesn't say much, and Peter, despite his intrigues, she laughed. Is a very dear boy indeed. Things are. . .almost perfect here.

Christian agreed.

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I don't own most of these characters, Baz does. But please don't sue me.